13 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne
Exfoliate regularly
How it works
Removes dead skin cells to unclog pores and improve appearance of the skin
May also help
Collagen production for skin elasticity
Safety
Generally safe for most people
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. You can use chemicals to achieve this, or exfoliate mechanically by using a brush or scrub to physically remove the cells (48Trusted Source).
Exfoliation may improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores.
It may also make acne treatments for the skin more effective by allowing them to penetrate deeper, once the topmost layer of skin is removed.
Currently, the research on exfoliation and its ability to treat acne is limited.
Some studies suggest that microdermabrasion, a method of exfoliation, can improve the skin’s appearance, including some cases of acne scarring (49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source).
In one small study, 38 patients with acne received eight microdermabrasion treatments at weekly intervals. The participants with acne scars showed some improvements following the treatments (51Trusted Source).
Another small study found that six weekly microdermabrasion treatments helped stimulate skin repair (52Trusted Source).
While these results indicate that exfoliation may improve skin health and appearance, more research is needed on acne.
There are a wide variety of exfoliation products available, but you can also make a scrub at home using sugar or salt.
Note that mechanical exfoliation, such as with harsh scrubs or brushes, can be irritating and damage the skin. As such, some dermatologists recommend gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic- or glycolic-acid-based products.
If you choose to try mechanical exfoliation, be sure to gently rub your skin to avoid damaging it.
How to make a scrub at home
Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
Gently rub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.
Exfoliate as often as desired, up to once daily.
How it works
Removes dead skin cells to unclog pores and improve appearance of the skin
May also help
Collagen production for skin elasticity
Safety
Generally safe for most people
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. You can use chemicals to achieve this, or exfoliate mechanically by using a brush or scrub to physically remove the cells (48Trusted Source).
Exfoliation may improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores.
It may also make acne treatments for the skin more effective by allowing them to penetrate deeper, once the topmost layer of skin is removed.
Currently, the research on exfoliation and its ability to treat acne is limited.
Some studies suggest that microdermabrasion, a method of exfoliation, can improve the skin’s appearance, including some cases of acne scarring (49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source).
In one small study, 38 patients with acne received eight microdermabrasion treatments at weekly intervals. The participants with acne scars showed some improvements following the treatments (51Trusted Source).
Another small study found that six weekly microdermabrasion treatments helped stimulate skin repair (52Trusted Source).
While these results indicate that exfoliation may improve skin health and appearance, more research is needed on acne.
There are a wide variety of exfoliation products available, but you can also make a scrub at home using sugar or salt.
Note that mechanical exfoliation, such as with harsh scrubs or brushes, can be irritating and damage the skin. As such, some dermatologists recommend gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic- or glycolic-acid-based products.
If you choose to try mechanical exfoliation, be sure to gently rub your skin to avoid damaging it.
How to make a scrub at home
Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
Gently rub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.
Exfoliate as often as desired, up to once daily.
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12 March 2022
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